Habit formation is the process by which behaviors become automatic. Habits can form without a person intending to acquire them, but they can also be deliberately cultivated—or eliminated—to better suit one’s personal goals .
What Is Habit Formation? (Plain Language Explanation)
Habit Formation refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Habit Formation
- Symptoms: The specific ways habit formation shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen habit formation
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When habit formation occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Habit Formation
- Habit Formation is far more common than most people realize
- Habit Formation is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with habit formation see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about habit formation is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing habit formation, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.